Steering Wheel Vibration Damper With Integrated Elastic Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration damper systems for steering wheel arrangements in motor vehicles are complex to manufacture and assemble, requiring multiple components and mechanical coupling for effective vibration damping.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damper system comprising a vibration damping mass connected to a steering wheel element via an elastic bearing element and separate fastening means, where the elastic bearing element is fabricated in one piece from an elastic material like silicone, serving both vibration damping and fastening functions, and allowing adjustable resonance frequency adjustment through its geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate mechanical components are used to connect the vibration damping mass to the steering wheel element, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mechanical components (fastening element, bearing element, and connection elements) into a single integrated elastic bearing element made of elastomeric material. This monolithic structure maintains reliable vibration damping functionality while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate parts, directly resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bearing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration damping, acts as a fastening element, and serves as a bearing element. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining all necessary connection and damping functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate mechanical components are used for vibration damping, then the vibration damping effectiveness is improved, but the assembly time and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fastening element, bearing element, and damping mass into a single elastic bearing element component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. The single component can be directly installed onto the steering wheel element, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate parts, thereby improving assembly efficiency while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-component system is used, then the adjustable resonance frequency capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves resonance frequency adjustment by modifying the geometric parameters of the single elastic bearing element (such as dimensions, shape, and material properties) rather than changing the system configuration. This allows for frequency tuning during the manufacturing process itself, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing the versatility of adjustable resonance frequency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies manufacturing and assembly while effectively damping vibrations, allowing for adjustable resonance frequency, enhancing the vibration damping performance of the steering wheel arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic bearing element is fabricated in one piece from an elastic material like silicone
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a vibration damper system for a steering wheel arrangement of a motor vehicle, which is provided for arrangement on a steering wheel element of the steering wheel arrangement. The vibration damper system comprises a vibration damping mass for damping the vibration of the steering wheel arrangement, an elastic bearing element which comprises a fastening element for fastening the elastic bearing element to one of bearing element and vibration damping mass, and a fastening means for fastening to the other of steering wheel element and vibration damping mass, wherein the elastic bearing element sectionally rests against the fastening means.